Dental expert recommends doubling brushing time to 4 minutes
A dental expert has recommended doubling the standard brushing time to four minutes to reduce the risk of decay and gum disease.
Most guidelines encourage the public to brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day, but lecturer in restorative dentistry, Dr Josefine Hirschfeld, believes that brushing for longer should be advised.
Dr Hirschfeld, from the University of Birmingham, explained that brushing for two minutes achieves significant plaque reduction, but studies suggest that cleaning for longer offers better results.
Writing in The Conversation, Dr Hirschfeld stated that people can reduce their risk of developing dental diseases by brushing for longer every time they clean their teeth.
She also added that brushing more than twice a day could do more harm than good. Brushing too frequently can damage the enamel, particularly after eating or drinking.
Research conducted by the Oral Health Foundation found that a quarter of UK adults do not brush twice a day and over 30% have signs of tooth decay.
Brushing is essential for good oral health because it removes harmful bacteria and food debris, reducing the risk of plaque forming in the mouth.
Plaque is a sticky substance, which clings to the teeth and gums. It comprises food particles, saliva and bacteria. When we eat, the bacteria within plaque release acids, which weaken the enamel and irritate the gums.
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